Virgas baznīckalns

The history of Virga Church begins at Virgas baznīckalns. Its origins date back to 1585, when the first wooden church in Virga was built by order of Baron Gerhard von Nolde.

As time passed, the wooden church deteriorated, and in 1735, during the time of Baron Gerhard I von Nolde, it was replaced with a masonry church. The construction was financed by Levins Mihaels von Nolde, owner of Kalētu Manor, following the Great Northern War.

For the barons of Virga, the church was both a place of worship and a symbol of the family's status. Every Sunday they gathered there for church services and prayer. From 1749, the congregation of Virga was served by the pastor of Krūtes Church.

Construction of the present stone church on the bank of the Vārtāja valley, overlooking Vārtājas pilskalns, began in 1772 during the time of Johans Kristofers fon Nolde, grandson of Reinholds fon Nolde. Historical records indicate that the new stone church was consecrated in 1809, when the Virga Manor and Kalētu–Krūtes estate belonged to Ulrihs Frīdrihs fon Nolde.

At the beginning of the 20th century, local residents of Virga parish were also allowed to attend church services and establish their own congregation.

The church was last renovated and embellished in 1906, when Baroness Elizabete's mother, Ģertrūde von Marenholca, lived at Virga Manor. A talented artist, she created the church's ornate wooden altar carvings and decorative paintings, which were admired throughout the surrounding area.

In 1919, the last barons left Virga and Latvia, but the church remained active thanks to the faithful local congregation. Among the pastors who served here were Frīdrihs Augusts Dartans (1856–1883), Alfons Heinrihs Kristians Fuks (1886–1892), Johans Gustavs Špērs (1893–1902), Vilhelms Sperliņš Antons Spirgensons (1902–1906), and Hermanis Frīdrihs Gustavs Blumenbahs (from 1907).

The church was destroyed during the Second World War in November 1944, during the battles known as the Courland Pocket. German troops had occupied the church and used its tower as an observation post. As Soviet forces advanced from the direction of Liepāja, the retreating German army blew up the church. It has never been rebuilt.

At Easter in 2005, during a procession from Virga Manor, Hanss Jensons, pastor of Priekules luterāņu draudze, reconsecrated the church site. To commemorate the occasion, local residents erected a large wooden cross.

Today, Virgas baznīckalns is a sacred place for the people of Virga. It invites visitors to reflect on the rich history of the parish and the people and events that have shaped it over the centuries.